Citroen C3 – Which Variant Should You Buy?

Last month, Citreon launched the C3 as its first mass-market offering in India. It is essentially a cross-hatch with SUV-like styling. You can pick between two engines and three variants, each with several customization options, so choosing the right trim can be a little challenging. The following is a guide to what’s on offer in all the variants of the Citroen C3, so you can choose which will be more suitable for you. But before we start, here’s a look at its specifications first.

Engine Options	1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol	1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Max Power	82PS at 5750RPM	110PS at 5500RPM
Peak Torque	115Nm at 3750RPM	190Nm at 1750RPM
Gearbox	5-speed MT	6-speed MT
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel-Drive	Front-Wheel-Drive
Claimed Mileage	19.8kmpl	19.4kmpl

The Citroen C3 comes with two petrol engines of the same displacements, paired with 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes for the naturally aspirated and turbocharged units, respectively. During our test ride, we found its naturally aspirated engine well-suited for city driving. Its highway behaviour is also appreciable, and it doesn’t struggle much. It can be well-suited for buyers who primarily drive within the city and have a relaxed driving style. On the contrary, the turbocharged engine is more versatile, and you’ll love pushing it hard on highways.

Citroen C3 – Dimensions

Length	3981mm
Width	1733mm
Height	1604 (with roof rails)
Wheelbase	2540mm
Ground Clearance	180mm
Cargo Storage Capacity	315L
Curb Weight	958-1035kg
Turning Radius	4.98m
Tyre Size	195/65 R15

Based on Citroen’s global Common Modular Platform (CMP), the dimensions of C3 are quite on par with popular sub-compact SUVs like Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, etc. Compared to the aforementioned SUVs, its wheelbase is 40mm longer, which should reflect in better cabin space.

Citroen C3 – Color Options and Customisation Packs

Citroen offers the C3 in 10 attractive exterior colour choices, including six dual-tone shades and 28 colour combinations with Mood Pack. It also gets four pre-defined accessory packages so that buyers can personalize it as per their preference.

Citroen C3 – Variants Analysis

1. Citroen C3 Live

Powertrain	Price (Ex-Showroom)
1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol with 5-speed MT	Rs 5.88 lakh

What does it offer?

• Exterior: Matte black front grille with silver painted brand emblem, halogen headlamps, gloss black ORVMs, body side sill panel, 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, side indicators on the front fender, and roof antenna.
• Interior: All-black cabin theme, fabric seats with integrated headrests, satin chrome accent on AC knobs & parking brake lever tip, and digital instrument cluster.
• Comfort & Convenience: Manual AC with heater, power steering, front power windows with one-touch down function, manually adjustable side mirrors, 1-litre bottle holders in all doors, front power socket, 100% flat-folding rear bench seat, and rear console smartphone storage.
• Safety: Driver & co-driver airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert system, and front seatbelt reminder.

Verdict: The scant features list of the Citroen C3’s entry-level Live variant compelled us not to recommend it. Buy only if you can’t extend your budget.

2. Citroen C3 Feel

Powertrain	Price (Ex-Showroom)	Premium Over Live Variant
1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol with 5-speed MT	Rs 6.80 lakh, Rs 6.95 lakh (with Vibe Pack) + Rs 15,000 extra for dual-tone paint scheme	Rs 92,000
1.2-litre turbo-petrol with 6-speed MT	Rs 8.15 lakh (with vibe pack and dual-tone paint scheme)	Rs 2.27 lakh

What does it offer over the Feel variant?

• Exterior: Chrome-finished brand insignia, LED daytime running lamps, body-colour door handles, wheel arch cladding, front skid plate, high gloss back side mirrors & roof rails, and optional dual-tone body shades (standard with turbo variant).
• Interior: Gloss black finish around AC vents, chrome garnish on door handles, AC vents inner parts, gear lever surround, and steering wheel.

• Comfort & Convenience: All four power windows, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable driver’s seat, steering mounted audio & telephony controls, one USB fast charging port in front & two in the rear.seatback pockets, and rear parcel shelf.
• Infotainment: 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 4 speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Safety: Speed sensing auto-door lock and door ajar warning.
• Vibe Pack: Front fog lamps, body side door moulding with grey/orange inserts, grey/orange coloured side mirrors, grey/orange fog lamp surround and grey/orange rear reflector surround.

Verdict: The top-spec Citroen C3 Feel variant offers great value for the price premium of Rs 92,000. However,  basics like powered side mirrors, day/night IRVM and rear wiper/defogger are still missing in the hatch. In spite of this, it is hard to ignore its excellent ride quality & comfort, outright performance and ease of driving.